HOLLYWOOD, CA – The always controversial Simon Cowell is stirring up some new buzz!

HOLLYWOOD, CA – The always controversial Simon Cowell is stirring up some new buzz!

Simon Cowell is finishing up his last season with American Idol and there will certainly be a huge void to fill. Cowell has been known, for as long as he’s been on the show, as the “bad guy.” His harsh criticisms for contestants in the past have brought many to tears. There are also times when many, including co-judges such as Randy Jackson, have felt that his words have gone overboard.

Regardless, there will be a need for a new third judge and Cowell has weighed in on the issue. Cowell fielded various questions from reporters during a press conference yesterday.

He was asked how much music business experience is really required for the job. “I think it’s really important…And I think over the years, judges have been replaced by personalities. That in the long term will create problems, because you’ve got to be able to spot a star,” Cowell said.

And to those who are in charge of replacing him, he had a message. “Find somebody who actually knows what they’re talking about and has actually experienced success in the mussy business.”

There have been many rumors that Howard Stern might be a potential replacement, but Cowell quickly laid that to rest. “Howard Stern doesn’t seem to fit any of my criteria. He’s played records, maybe that’s a good qualification, that he’s a DJ,” Cowell said. He did, however, lend his support for Perez Hilton. “Perez would be funny. He’s got good taste in music, he’s got a personality, that could work.” Perez Hilton has his own music label under Warner Music Group.

He ended with thoughts of Lady Gaga being a guest judge, finding his own Taylor Swift to win the competition, and having a successful last season. “I want to go out on a high; It’s my last season, I want it to be successful and I’m going to do everything I can to make it happen.”